Yarn tensioning device



Oct. 20, 1953 J. R. O'DELL I YARN TENSIONING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 14, 1949 FIG. 2

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JAMES R ODELL AITORNEYS Oct. 20, 1953 J. R. O'DELL YARN TENSIONING DEVICE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 14 1949 JAMES R. O'DELL R 3 mW H N N w H mm T 0 A y B r Fig. 3.

bowed plate to insure uniform pressure on the yarn and to facilitate cleaning of the parts;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view taken from the opposite side of the tensioning device from that illustrated in Fig. 3, showing the arrangement of the operating linkage to the tensioning device, and with the device adjusted for the low tension required near the end of the winding operations; and

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 4, but show:

ing the linkage adjusted to provide a higher tension, such as required near the beginning of the winding operation. 7

Similar reference numerals throughout the various views indicate the same parts.

In Fig. l, a supply package H is shown from which the yarn I2 is being drawn through a guide iihand then through the tensioning device of the present invention, generally indicated by the numeral i i, and hereafter more fully described. From the tensioning device, the yarn passes through a cleaner 15, through a spindle stopping mechanism It and from there through a traverse guide I? to a cone H; which is being wound on a tube It carried by a spindle 29 rotating at a constant speed. The guide I? is held firmly against cone i8 by a counterweight 2|, the connecting arm 22 being pivoted at 23. With the exception of the tensioning device M, the abovedescribed structure is of a standard or well known construction and forms no part of the present invention. Accordingly, further details are not deemed necessary to those skilled in the art, or to provide a clear understanding of the present invention.

The tensioning device of the present invention is secured to the machine frame 25 by a bracket 2'3, as best shown in Fig. 2. A vertical fixed flat steel plate 28 is fastened to the bracket 2? by any suitable means, for example, a screw 29. A a

' which is mounted a pair of spaced cars 36 formed from and extending rearwardly from a hanger frame or holder 37, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 3. The frame 3! is preferably cut away to provide an open rectangular frame, as shown in The top and bottom edges 38 and 39 respectively of the frame 31 are bent to form lugs or channels at adapted to receive slidably and detachably a thin steel plate 4|. The latter is preferably constructed of spring steel of approximately 0.005 in., in thickness and has a length slightly greater than the vertical distance between the lugs 40 so that when the top and bottom edges of the plate M are inserted in position in the lugs it, the plate will be bowed or arched toward the fixed plate 28, as shown in the drawings. The side of the fixed plate 28 toward the bowed plate is preferably chrome-plated.

The bowed plate 4| is positioned adjacent the fixed plate 28 and co-operates therewith to pinch the yarn 52 as it passes between the plates to apply the desired tension to the yarn without causing the latter to deviate from a straight line while passing between the plates, the advantages of which are deemed apparent to those familiar with such tensioning devices.

It will be apparent from the above description and the drawings, that the bowed plate 4| and its supporting hanger frame 3'! have a dual movement. They may rock about pin 35 relative to the movable frame 33, and may also move as a unit with the latter about the axis of rod 3|. Thus, the bowed plate 4| is movable about two spaced parallel vertical axes. Such an arrangement assures proper contact of the bowed plate 4| with the fixed plate 28 with the pressure evenly distributed across the entire width of the contact area between the plates. This mounting of the bowed plate also enables the latter to be moved toward and away from the fixed plate to vary the area of contact, and also to enable the bowed plate to be turned inside out for ready cleaning or replacement, if desired.

The tension imparted to the yarn by the tension device of the present invention, Fig. 3, is

determined by the pressure applied to the yarn by the plates 28 and 4|. For reasons to be later more fully described, it is desirable that this applied or additive tension be gradually decreased 1 of the cone, in contact with plate 23, while the area of contact between the plates varies in direct proportion to the force applied through the linkage system. The latter is of old construction and does not form a part of the present invention, but is illustrated and described so that the operative forces which actuate and control the tensioning device will be fully understood.

This linkage has a differential arm or lever 45 pivoted at its upper end to the machine frame so that the lower end of the lever may swing in an arc, as is apparent from an inspection of Figs. 4 and 5. The lower end of this lever is provided with a shaft to adapted to receive loosely a pair of spaced ears or bearings formed on a differential arm or member 58 having a laterally-extending arm 4% carrying a weight 5!. spaced from the shaft MS, as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. It is apparent from an inspection of these figures that the weight as is eccentrically mounted on the arm 49 relative to the shaft 46; and, if the arm 59 were free, the weight 5E2 would rotate or turn the arm 49 in a clockwise direction about the shaft M5 until the arm extends vertically downwardly so that it will be suspended from shaft 46.

The member 43 is provided with a laterallyprojecting portion 5! extending substantially at right angles to arm '59, as best shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The free end of portion 5| is formed with an elongated slot 52 adapted to receive slidably a link 53 of the shape best shown in Figs. fl and 5. The ends of link stare received loosely in holes formed in the ends of arms at forming parts of the flanges of the channel-shaped frame 30 and extending substantially at right angles to arms 33. Thus, the eccentric weight 5% is connected to the frame 36, and hence to the bowed plate Al for a purpose to be later described.

From an inspection of Figs'i and 5, it will be apparent that if .a leftward iorce is applied to link .53, this force will tend to rotate frame 30 in a clockwise direction about rod .3] to move frame 31 and bowed plate 3'! towards the fixed plate 28 to pinch the yarn 1'2 therebetween to apply tension to the yarn. 'On the other hand, a rightward force applied to the link 53 will tend to rotate frame 30 in a counterclockwise direction about rod 3! to move the bowed plate {it away from the fixed plate '28 to reduce the pinching action of the yarn tov reduce the tension thereof. It is also apparent from an inspection oi. Figs. 4 and 5 that the weight 50 is connected to the link 53 by reason of arm 49,.member 43 and portion 5| Also, when the weight is moved from the position shown in Fig. 5 to that shown in Fig. 4, the eccentricity of the weight relative to shaft its is redueed. As the eccentricity is reduced, the weight will apply less force. on the link 53 and hence on the bowed plate s1. Thus,

the weight 5k) is angularly displaceable, and the degree of displacement thereof will determine the force transmitted to the bowed plate Al to thus control or regulate the yarn tension, as will be later more fully discussed.

As is well known, and as briefly mentioned above, as the cone, 18? increases in size, the withdrawal tension of the yarn increases. Therefore, in order to provide an even tension throughout the length of the yarn on the cone, the tension applied to the yarn by the tensioning device it must gradually decrease. as, the withdrawal tension increases or as the cone builds up. Thus, the tension applied by the'pl'ates. 28 and 61' must be gradually and evenly reduced as the yarn cone increases in diameter. In. order to secure this result, the arm. t9 is connected to the traverse guide l'lso that as the latter moves to the right, see Fig. 1, during the building up of the cone, the arm 45 will'be rocked in a. clockwise direction about shaft 45 to decrease the eccentricity or angular displacement. of the weight 50' relative to shaft 46 to reduce. thereby the euect of the weight on the link. 53 and hence on the frames 39 and 31 and the bowed plate, M to diminish the pinching force applied to the plates 28 and." 41 thereby to decrease the yarn tension. the proper amount and in a proper timed" relation. to the building up ofthe cone, the advantages of which are deemed apparent. As the effect oithe weight 50 is reduced, the pressure applied to plate ii is reduced and the latter'changes its. shape and becomes more bowed}, thus decreasing the. area. of contact between the plates. 28. and it. As. the plate 4!; becomes, more bowed, it reacts on the fixed plate 28 to move the plate 4.! and. the. frames, 3"! and All away slightly from-the plate 28 so as to reduce the pinching eiiect on the yarn. to diminish the tension applied or added by the tensi'oning device of the. present invention.

In order that, the angular displacement. of weightia willbei'n proper amount and in proper. proportion, the.v displacement. is. controlled from. and by the cone. l8; Tosecure this result, a cam 55, of the shape shown in Figs. 4 and h isloosely mounted ,ona stud vEdtesecured;inmachine frame 26.,see Fig. 2.. The cam. tfizisiprovidediwi th a radial crank. 51, the free end of which is pivot.- ally. connected. at 58 to. the right end. of alink. 59.. the-leit end of which. is. connected to the counterweight 21,. see. Fi 1.

At the beginning of the winding. operation,

cone is. small. and; the traverse guide ll is moved to its. extreme, leftward position,. which is .to. the an. of. that shown in Fig} is ap -j we parent. In this leftward position, the arm 22 has been rocked about the pivot 2-3 to move the counterweight 21 to its rightward position. Such movement of the counterweight causes the link 59 to rock crank 51 and cam 55 in counterclock= wise direction to the position shown in Fig. 5. Such rotation of the cam causes the latter to engage and rocklever it in a clockwise clirection about its pivot. Such movement also serves to carry member 43, arm 49', weight 5t and por tion 5| to the left, as viewedin Fig; 5. However, as portion 5| is secured slidably to the link 53; the leftward movement ofmember 28 serves to rock the latter counterclockwise on shaft 53 to move or displace the arm 49 and weight as through an angle A to the position shown in Fig. 5. This is the position of the parts near the beginning of the winding operation, and, in this position, the eccentricity or displacement of the Weight 56 exerts a leftward force on link 53, and this force is transmitted through frames; 3!] and 31 to press the bowed plate t! towardsplate 28 with the maximum force to apply the maximum tension to the yarn.

The diminishing of the amount of tension from start to finish of the cone is of paramount importance to the constant spindle speed obtained, since the yarn take-up speed increases as the diameter of the cone increases. As the take-up speed increases, also there is a corresponding increase in withdrawal tension. To compensate for this increase in withdrawal tension, there must be an automatic and gradual decrease ofpressure applied mechanically to the yarn so there will be a, more or less uniform amount of tension applied to the yarn. Oi'ily in this manner can straight, well-shaped cones of high quality be obtained.

As the cone it increases in size, the traverse guide I! rocks to the right about pivot 23 to move the counterweight 2! to the left or in the direction of the arrow, Fig. 1; This leftward movement of the counterweight exerts a leftward pull on link 59 to rock cam 55 gradually in a clockwise direction towards the position illustrated in Fig. 4. As the cam is thus rotated, thev eccentricity or'angular'displ'acement of the weight 59' exerts a downward pull to hold the lev'er' 4% always in contact with the cam 55'. The result is that the lever. gradually movesi'n a counter clockwise direction about its. pivot, and carries member 48, arm 43; weight and the portion 5 to the right. This rightward movement causes portion 5! to slide vertically along IinkQiS to rotate member 68 in a clockwise direction about shaft 46; such rotation will gradually move arm 49 and weight 5t to the position shown in Fig. 4 to form a smaller angle A" whichis smallerthan angle A, Fig. 5. By thus reducing the angle, the angular displacement or eccentricity of the weight 56 relative to the shaft 46? is correspondingly reduced,- and this reduced displacement gradually-- decreases the leftward force appliedto link 53 and hence the leftward force applied to thebowedi plate ll. As the force of the. latter is reducedit willpinch the yarn less wimparr a; reduced tension thereto.

Itwill be understood, ofcourse, marine move. ment of the parts from the position shown Fig. 5 to that shown in Fig.' 4 is gradual and in direct proportion to and in time relation with this decrease is sufficient to compensate for the withdrawal tension due to the pulling off of the yarn so as to insure a uniform tension throughout the length of the yarn on the cone 18. The amount of angular displacement of the weight 58 determines what horizontal vector of force is exerted against link 53 and hence by plate H against the yarn. Thus, the force exerted on link 53 by the weight 50 is transmitted through frames 30 and 3'! to the bowed plate 4 I. As the frame 37 is free to pivot on pin 35, the force holding the plates 28 and 4! together will permit perfect alignment of the plates with a uniform pressure across the width of the contact area and while the yarn is passing in a straight line between the plates. It will be noted that the connection between the portion 5i and link 53 performs two functions; first, it serves to transmit the force of the displaced weight 5%) to the bowed plate 4! to control tension; second it serves to rock the member :8 and arm is to displace weight 50 when the cam 55 rocks lever 15. As the force on plate ll is reduced, the latter becomes more bowed, thus reducing the area of contact with plate 28 to decrease the pinching effect of the plate to diminish the tension applied to the yarn by the plates.

From the above description, it is apparent that the present invention provides a yarn tensioning device which applies tension to the yarn without forcing the yarn to deviate from a straight line or path through the tensioning device. in addition, the device applies a gradual decrease in tension to compensate for gradual increase in withdrawal or pull-off tension to insure a uniform tension throughout the yarn package. This variation in tension at the tensioning device or gate is secured by an angular displaceable weight, the angularrelation of which is varied during winding to produce a gradual decrease in pressure or force at the gate parts. The tensioning device automatically distributes evenly the applied pressure upon the yarn regardless of the area of the gate through which the yarn passes. The frame 3'! may be readily, easily and quickly swung about pin 35' to turn the bowed plate inside out for a thorough cleaning without changing the degree of tension exerted by the device. Also, the bowed plate can be quickly replaced merely by sliding it out of the lugs or channels 40 and sliding a new plate 4| into position. The tensioning device or gate can be applied to existing machines. The variation in yarn tension at the gate is secured by means of the angular displaceable weight and is independent of tensile properties of the material used for the gate parts.

While one embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it is to be understood that the inventive idea may be carried out in a number of ways. This application is, therefore, not to be limited to the precise details disclosed, but is intended to cover all variations and modifications thereof falling within the scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

. 1. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in com bination, a fixed fiat plate, a bowed plate co-operating with said fixed plate to pinch the yarn to apply tension thereto, and means for rockably mounting said bowed plate for freedom of movement about axes parallel to the yarn to permit unrestricted adjustment of the latter so as to align with said fixed plate to provide uniform pressure across the area of contact of said plates.

2. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a, fixed fiat plate, a bowed plate co-opcrating with said fixed plate to pinch said yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, a holder for said bowed plate means for mounting said holder for movement about a pair of parallel axes, and means on said holder for maintaining said second plate in a bowed relation.

3. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a fixed fiat plate, a second plate bowed toward said fixed plate and co-operating therewith to pinch the yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, a holder for said bowed plate, and a pair of lugs formed on said holder and adapted to receive slidably opposite edges of said second plate, said lugs being spaced a distance less than the width of said plate so as to bow the latter toward said fixed plate when said edges are inserted in said lugs.

4. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a fixed fiat plate, a second plate bowed toward said fixed plate and co-operating therewith to pinch the yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, a holder for said bowed plate, a pair of lugs formed on said holder and adapted to receive slidably opposite edges of said second plate, said lugs being spaced a distance less than the width of said plate so as to how the latter toward said fixed plate when said edges are inserted in said lugs, and means for pivotally mounting said holder for free movement to permit automatic adjustment of said bowed plate to permit alignment of said plates to insur uniform pressure across the full area of contact between said plates.

5. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a support, a fixed flat plate carried by said support, a holder, a second plate removably and slidably positioned on said holder, means on said holder for bowing said second plate about an axis and toward said fixed plate so as to co-operate therewith to pinch the yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, and means for rockably mounting said holder on said support about axes normal to said first axis to provide freedom of movement to said holder to permit perfect alignment of said plates with uniform pressure across the width of the area of contact between said plates.

6. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a fixed flat plate, a holder, a thin flexible plate slidably positioned on said holder, means on said holder for detachably securing said second plate thereon, said means being spaced a distance less than the width of said plate so as to bow the latter about an axis and toward said fixed plate to co-operate therewith to pinch the yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, and a pivot for said holder arranged normal to the axis of bowing of said second plate so as to permit freedom of movement of said holder and said second plat to permit perfect alignment of said plates with uniform pressure across the width of the area of contact between said plates.

7. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a fixed fiat plate, a pivoted frame, a holder arranged adjacent and substantially parallel to said fixed plate, a bowed plate carried by said holder and co-operating with and pressing against said fixed plate to pinch the yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, and means for rockably mounting said holder on said frame to permit said bowed plate to align with said fixed plate to insure a uniform pressure Ir n q mbination a. fi ed. flat p a a a. i ote me a n t a an ed adjacent. an substantially p rallel, to. a d fixe nlata, a, n. fle i le l t means. onsa d o der oth for secur n sa d e nd, pla e, e ac ablu the o, and. or bq n sa de nd pla e oward sa d firstplatetop s hcr a ainst a d, o coe e late her w t o pin h t e yarn, erebe w e a p l e n h r o,, and m ns r pivo al mounting sai ho de n. i frame. r. m r me t e a i the et to. permit. sai bowed. plate t al n w th ai fix d; pla e to pr v de. a nitq m, r s

across the area f, c ntac between, a d. lates,

said, holder being, adjustable toward and away from said fixed plate to vary the pressure of said bowed plate against said fixed plate to alter the tension; applied by said device.

9. A yarn tensioning device; comprising, in combination, a support, a fixed flat plate carried by said-support, a frame pivoted on said support, a holder arranged adjacent said fixed plate, a thin flexible plate, means for slidably mounting said second plate on said holden means on. said holder for bowingsaid second plate toward said fixedplate to contactthe latterand to co operate therewith to pinchthe yarn therebetwcen to apply tension thereto, and means for rockably mounting said holder" on said frame to permit movement of said holder relative to said frame to allow said bowed plate to be adjusted automatically in. alignment with said fixed plate to provide uniform pressure across the width of the contact area between said plates, the pinching action of said plates being adjustable to vary the tension applied to the yarn.

10. A yarn tensioning device comprising in combination, a support, a vertical fixed flat plate carried by said support, a frame, means for pivoting said frame about a vertical axis on said support, a vertically arranged holder positioned adjacent said fixed plate, a thin flexible plate, means for slidably securing said flexible plate on said holder and for bowing said flexible plat toward said fixed plate about a horizontal axis and to press against the fixed plate to co-operate therewith to pinch the yarn therebetween to apply tension thereto, and means for pivoting said holder on said frame about an axis parallel to the pivot of said frame to permit said holder to rock relative to said frame to align the bowed plate with the fixed plat to provide uniform pressure across the width of the contact area of said plates, the bowing of said flexible plate being variable to change thetension applied to said yarn by said device.

11. A yarn tensioning device comprising, in combination, a support, a vertical fixed flat plate carried by said support, a frame, means for pivoting said frame about a vertical axis on said support, a vertically arranged holder positioned adjacent said fixed plate, a thin flexible plate, vertically spaced channels on the side of said holder toward said fixed plate to receive slidably opposite edges of said thin plates to secure the latter detach-ably to said holder, said channels being spaced a distance less than the height of said thin plate to bow the latter toward said fixed plate and in the pressing contact with the latter and co-operate therewith to pinch the an ag ndas, was was Mi d w. nd

are; cal r nk ca r d. b 'ai ram but pac d o he, r v t her o to mean a h der rockab y on, ai rame, or mov ment r ativ theretgto align saidbowed plate with said-fixed plate to. insure uniform pressure across the dihuq t e a ea. f nta said ates, h tw ns o aid, exi e te be n adjustab e o change he n hine p essur pp ed. to. yarn n alter, he a p i d am oht .2, A. y n. en ion n d vic c m s iii c mb g- ,a s ppe s avert ca lr an d at mo nt a n aid sup r a ertiz' ath u h the pp ite fl n of a d n tyid, rame vo a on aid prt a fiat er i a l er n d; adja e t a d; red. late a th n e ib e. P e r iq l y sna ed. u s, orm d, on, said r -v n e ide thereof toward saidfixedplate to receive slidably appo ite ecisesct Said n at a d ugsn spaced a vertical distance less than theheightof said thinplateso asto bow the latter towardsaid asd la and nto pre c nt ct wi he te id qaon ratin therewith nv nch th yarn he; betwe n to p y. n n t re aand a 12 arr ad. y t aw e of a r me o roc bl mount nss ci ho e ber t a l w a de to rock rel tlVlQ tosaidfirame to align said bowed platewi hs idfiX a t sm u iio mrr sure. acrq sthg w dth, of, the are of Wil a of a d rela s, thecpir t n f he mc nenport and th holds: on the. ame permit ing h hol er to; mor w th. the rame and al e a- .t e iherata to. open the device W de to rmi easy cleaning of the plates, said holder being adjustable to vary the bowing of said flexible plate to change the pressure applied to said flexible plate to alter the tension imparted to said yarn by said device.

13. A yarn tensioning device for use on a yarn winding machine in which the yarn is pulled from a package with an increasing tension and wound up on a cone, said device being positioned between said package and cone and comprising a fixed flat plate, a holder positioned adjacent said plate, a thin flexible plate, means on said holder engaging opposite edges of said flexible plate to connect the latter detachably to said holder and to bow said flexible plate toward said fixed plate so as to press against the latter and to co-operate therewith to pinch the yarn as it passes in a straight line between said plates to apply an additive tension to said yarn independent of the pulloff tension, and means for mounting said holder for movement about a pair of independent axes, movement about one of said axes permitting said flexible plate to be aligned automatically with said fixed plate to provide a uniform pressure across the area of contact between said plates, said holder being adjustable about the other axis as the yarn is being wound to change the pressure of said flexible plate against the fixed plate to decrease gradually the tension applied by the device to the yarn to compensate for the increasing pull-off tension to provide a substantially constant tension yarn at said spool.

14. A yarn tensioning device for use on a yarn winding machine in which the yarn is pulled from a package with an increasing tension and wound up on a cone, said device being positioned between said package and cone and comprising, a fixed plate, a holder positioned adjacent said plate, a thin flexible plate, means on said holder engaging opposite edges of said flexible plate to connect the latter detachably to said holder and to bow said Ilexible'plate toward said fixed plate so as to press against the latter and to co-operate therewith to pinch the yarn as it passes in a straight line between said plates to apply an additive tension to said yarn independent of the pulloff tension, a frame, means for rockably mounting said holder on said frame for adjustment relative thereto, and means for rockably mounting said frame independently of said first mounting, said first mounting permitting said holder and flexible plate to be adjusted automatically to align the flexible plate with the fixed plate to permit alignment of said plates to provide a uniform pressure across the width of the area of contact between said plates, said second mounting serving to permit said holder and flexible plate to move in a direction normal to said fixed plate to alter the area of contact between said plates during winding to change the tension applied to said yarn in accordance with the pull-off tension to deliver a substantially constant tension yarn at said spool.

15. A yarn tensioning device for use on a yarn winding machine in which the yarn is pulled from a package with an increasing tension and wound up on a cone, said device being positioned between said package and cone and comprising, a fixed fiat plate, a flat holder positioned adjacent said plate, a thin flexible plate, spaced lugs formed on the side of said holder toward said fixed plate for receiving opposite edges of the latter to connect it detachably on said holder, said lugs being spaced a distance apart less than the height of said flexible plate so that when said latter plate is connected to said holder it will be bowed about an axis and toward said fixed plate to engage the latter over an area and to co-operate with said fixed plate to apply an additive tension to said yarn independently of the pull-off tension, an adjustable frame, means for rockably mounting said holder on said frame about an axis normal to the axis of bowing of said flexible plate, said means enabling said flexible plate to align automatically with said fixed plate to provide a uniform pressure over the width of said area, and means for rockably mounting said frame about an axis parallel to but independent of the mounting of said holder on said frame, said last means enabling said holder to move normal to said fixed plate to vary said area to alter the pressure applied by said plates to said yarn so as to reduce the tension imparted to said yarn by said device to compensate for increase in the pull-01f tension to deliver a substantially constant tension yarn to said spool.

JAMES R. ODELL.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 744,442 Vahle Nov. 17, 1903 1,393,926 Veilleux et a1. Oct. 18, 1921 1,562,071 Barnes Nov. 17, 1925 1,752,195 Palin Mar. 25, 1930 1,793,092 Jespersen Feb. 17, 1931 2,124,001 Lawson et a1. July 19, 1938 2,223,912 Guenther Dec. 3, 1940 2,253,521 Hitchcock Aug. 26, 1941 2,432,696 Swanson Dec. 16, 1947 

